Huntsville-born astronomer Mike Brown's discovery of an object larger than Pluto in a distant region of the solar system called the Kuiper Belt ended Pluto's 76-year reign as the ninth planet. (The Huntsville Times/Eric Schultz)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Mike Brown, the Huntsville-born astronomer whose celestial discoveries caused Pluto to be demoted to dwarf planet, will be in town this week for two public appearances.

On Tuesday night, Brown will give a talk and sign copies of his latest book, "How I Killed Pluto, and Why It Had It Coming," at Randolph School's auditorium on Garth Road.

The event, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is a fundraiser for public radio station WLRH-FM 89.3. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students.